http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/
enMon, 19 Nov 2018 23:48:13 +0100Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:04:05 +0200http://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1660.jpghttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/
144Road team show true grit with repairs on A40 at Eynshamhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/road-team-show-true-grit-with-repairs-on-a40-at-eynsham/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/road-team-show-true-grit-with-repairs-on-a40-at-eynsham/Our road crew has been out to tackle potholes on the A40/ B4449 roundabout at Eynsham.

A number of defects on the roundabout and A40 nearby had their edges cut square, filled and sealed.

The muddy looking finish you see in the picture is actually 'sealing grit'. This is applied to the sealing solution after it has been painted on so that there's no stickiness for passing vehicles.

]]>news,roads,highways,transport,A40,eynshamThu, 09 Aug 2018 16:02:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1660.jpg?Last night of work on A40, Eynshamhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/last-night-of-work-on-a40-eynsham/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/last-night-of-work-on-a40-eynsham/The finishing touches will be put to a £300,000 project to resurface a stretch of the A40 tonight.

Oxfordshire County Council has been carrying out repairs and improvements on the A40 between Cuckoo Lane, Eynsham, to Shores Green, Witney this week.

Work started on this well-used stretch of road on 23 July and the team made goo dprogress each night. The road will be closed between 8.00pm until 06.00am one last time again tonight (27 July) while the team complete work on the Barnard Gate junction.

While there may have been some inconvenience during the work, it has been scheduled well outside of peak times and diversions will be signed for road users. Of course the end result will be worth it.

Work started on this well-used stretch of road on 23 July and is set to last for five nights. The road will be closed between 8.00pm until 6.00am each night while the team work on resurfacing, improving the drainage, removing vegetation and painting lines.

There will be some inconvenience during the work, but we have scheduled it to take place well outside of peak times and diversions will be signed for road users.

]]>A40,news,roads,transport,highways,witney,eynshamWed, 25 Jul 2018 15:34:42 +0100https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1660.jpg?Busy night for council teams as downpours lead to floodinghttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/busy-night-for-council-teams-as-downpours-lead-to-flooding/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/busy-night-for-council-teams-as-downpours-lead-to-flooding/Firefighters, highways teams and emergency planners have been working through the night to deal with incidents of flash flooding following the downpours that hit Oxfordshire yesterday evening.

Highways teams worked to clear surface water from under the Botley Road railway bridge in Oxford whilst Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 68 other weather related incidents, dealing with lightning strikes, downed trees and property flooding.

Meanwhile emergency planners worked hand in hand with district councils to help temporarily rehome people whose individual properties had become flooded.

Teams had been preparing for the need to respond yesterday after the Met Office issued a “yellow” warning for rain (its lowest level of alert) followed by an amber alert for the south-west of the county.

The busy period was between 6pm and midnight when the rain was at its most intense and in the hours following.

Jason Crapper from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “The first part of the county to experience the effects of the weather was western Oxfordshire and we attended incidents of localised surface water flash flooding in Bampton, Carterton, Brize Norton and Woodstock among others. Although the west was the first affected we did also have to attend a lightning strike to an electricity pole in Matthews Way, Wootton near Abingdon quite early.

“Essentially the weather moved from the south west up through the county to the north. We attended a number of incidents in Oxford and highways teams used pumps to clear water that had accumulated underneath the Botley Road railway bridge.

“Elsewhere we had to deal with flooding in Didcot, Kildington, Banbury and Enstone amongst other places as well as lightning strikes in Combe and South Leigh. It was certainly a busy night for all concerned.”

The Met Office is not currently predicting any further significant rainfall as can be seen from its forecast for coming days here

All agencies will now as a matter of course will monitor river levels. Currently there are only flood alerts in Oxfordshire (the lowest level of warning) More information can be found here.

]]>fire and rescue service,frontpage,fire,emergency planning,carousel,news,press,Kidlington,Bampton,Banbury,Enstone,Brize Norton,Combe,South Leigh,Didcot,Abingdon,Carterton,Woodstock,Oxford,floodingFri, 01 Jun 2018 09:44:42 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_floodingjune.jpg?10000Oxfordshire business owners fined for illegal slaughter of pig http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-business-owners-fined-for-illegal-slaughter-of-pig/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-business-owners-fined-for-illegal-slaughter-of-pig/The owners and an employee of a local business have been ordered to pay over £4,000 for the unnecessary suffering of a 10-week-old pig at the time of its killing and for failing to keep appropriate veterinary medicine records.

In May 2017, after receiving a complaint regarding the illegal slaughter of animals, officers from Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service visited Worton Organic Farm.

When asked about the slaughtering of pigs on the premises the owners, Mr Blake and Mrs Blake, admitted to the slaughtering of a 10-week-old piglet by their employee, Mr Fidel. The method of slaughter was by binding the feet of the pig and then stabbing it through the heart. This method of slaughter was identified by a Defra Veterinary Officer as leading to a prolonged death and causing distress and unnecessary suffering to the animal.

Meat being sold for human consumption must be slaughtered in a way which is compliant with food safety legislation. The method used by the owners did not meet these requirements, yet the resulting meat was sold to consumers in the premises’ café.

During a second visit to the site, officers discovered evidence of medicines being used to treat pigs for worms. When questioned, Mr Blake admitted that he did not keep any records relating the administrating of veterinary medicines, a requirement under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. These regulations are intended to make sure that there is an auditable record of which medicines have been used to treat animals, which will end up being eaten by humans and to ensure the integrity of the human food chain.

All defendants pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and were apologetic for their actions, which they said was out of ignorance of the law. They gave assurances that they will follow the legal requirements in future.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards said: “Rules are in place around the slaughter of animals and the keeping of livestock records for very good reasons, ensuring the safety and integrity of our food chain, not forgetting the need to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals. The vast majority of livestock keepers maintain very good farming standards and we will not tolerate those who undermine the system”.

Jody Kerman, Trading Standards Operations Manager said: “There is understandably a financial cost for businesses when complying with legal requirements, something accepted by most businesses. For those who don’t follow the rules, they gain an unfair advantage over their competitors. We want Oxfordshire to be a place where honest businesses can thrive and we will take action to support them.

Notes to Editors:

The defendants received the following penalties:

Mr Blake

£384 fine (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2015)

£230 fine (Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2013)

£2000 costs

£38 victim surcharge

Mrs Blake

£230 fine (Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2013)

£1000 costs

£30 victim surcharge

Mr Marques

£150 fine (Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2013)

£30 victim surcharge

About our work:

Trading Standards enforces legislation governing the health, welfare, disease prevention and traceability of farm animals. We also enforce law relating to the safety, labelling and composition of animal feeding stuffs including the approval of feeding stuffs premises.

]]>press,news,headlines,Oxfordshire,Eynsham,Yarnton,Witney,trading standards,frontpage,animal cruelty,Farming,courtFri, 26 Jan 2018 07:00:00 +0000https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_piglet.jpg?10000Council, Bartholomew School and Residents join forces to resolve school transport issue in Long Hanboroughhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council-bartholomew-school-and-residents-join-forces-to-resolve-school-transport-issue-in-long-hanborough/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council-bartholomew-school-and-residents-join-forces-to-resolve-school-transport-issue-in-long-hanborough/Residents, parents and Bartholomew School in West Oxfordshire have worked with Oxfordshire County Council to improve school transport arrangements between Long Hanborough and Bartholomew School.

Since September a shuttle service had been provided but this had not been working as all parties would have wished.

Officers from the County Council, the local County Councillor Liam Walker, Stagecoach, the Parent Group from Hanborough, Bartholomew School, representatives of Hanborough Parish Council and officers from the council have each been discussing how best to make improvements in recent weeks.

In the end it was agreed that the option of a coach service to replace the current shuttle service was the best option.

Oxfordshire County Council has now agreed a way forward that will see a 75-seater bus run by Walters Coaches that undertaking a single journey to and from school. The current Cassington bus will be increased to a 76-seater bus.

Over coming weeks county council officers will formalise these arrangements contractually and assign the children to one of the three buses that will now be running through the village. They will then be able to communicate the arrangements and produce bus passes for the children. The new arrangement will come in to place on January 4.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “This is a common sense solution that has been reached collaboratively by the county council and local residents. I’d like to join the local county councillor Liam Walker in thanking the Parent Group in Hanborough for their input along with Hanborough Parish Council. Bartholomew School and Stagecoach have also been very helpful.”

A highlight that’s not to be missed, Oxford’s festive season has a dazzling start with the annual Christmas Light Festival weekend, one of the most exciting events held in the city centre. There are lots of fun events for everyone, as well as a festive market and food stalls.

28 November, 6-9pm, Free (Adults only)Your chance to make a lantern to be used in Faringdon’s Live Nativity with artist Emily Cooling. Adults only 20 places on a first come first served basis. Your Lantern will be used as part of the performance but will be available for collection after the event. All materials provided

On Friday 1 December 2017, Thame will host its annual community Christmas event which typically attracts thousands of local residents and families all looking to spoil themselves or their loved ones with good food and great gifts, not to mention the lantern parade and fantastic selection of entertainment and attractions on offer, including the return of our popular Santa’s Grotto and Go-Karts! We will also be hosting a human-sized snow globe, for you and your family to take photos in and play in the snow!

The Christmas market in the Wheat barn and Barley Barn will have over 60 stalls from local businesses, crafters and makers offering hand-made gifts, rural crafts, festive decor, and local produce, cakes, pies, speciality local beers and ciders, gift bags and hampers.

The biggest and most magical Christmas market in West Oxfordshire, with over 50 stalls selling hand-made, ethically sourced or local crafts and gifts, locally produced and organic food items. The entire market is under cover and there will be musical entertainment throughout the afternoon. Santa Claus for the children, hot mulled wine and a bar for the grown-ups, cakes, teas - come and enjoy.

As well as the Christmas Festival in the Town Centre there’s also the Wallingford Santa Dash at Wallingford School, Join hundreds of Santas and run, walk or sleigh ride your way on this 3km run from Wallingford School to the Market Place.

This Christmas, for one night only, the centre of Faringdon will be transformed into Bethlehem! Faringdon Town Council has partnered with Faringdon Dramatic Society, Faringdon All Saints’, Faringdon Baptist Church and many other local organisations and community members in order to create a spectacular nativity for everyone to come and see. The Faringdon Town Nativity will take place on Friday 8th December, in the market square at 6pm and will include live acting, live singing, spectacular lightning and sound, beautiful lanterns, a donkey and three real camels!

There will be lots of fun things to do in the Library this afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.00pm. Festive makes, wordsearches, songs and stories. Suggested age 4-9 years, although younger or older siblings are more than welcome if they want to come along.

What have we missed?

There are so many brilliant events across the county that no doubt a few have fallen off our list! If you know of an event that’s somehow slipped us by, let us know the details in the comments below!

Not long to go before Christmas Markets start to appear across the county, and festive lights brighten up the night. We've scoured the interwebs for details of events across Oxfordshire to look forward to!

]]>news,frontpage,christmas,lights,culture,community,leisure,children,banbury,blenheim,witney,henley,woodstock,faringdon,abingdon,wantage,thame,wallingford,dorchester,eynsham,bicesterTue, 14 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_shutterstock-497547616.jpg?10000Oxfordshire Growth Board backs infrastructure funding bid to support garden towns and villageshttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-growth-board-backs-infrastructure-funding-bid-to-support-garden-towns-and-villages/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-growth-board-backs-infrastructure-funding-bid-to-support-garden-towns-and-villages/The Oxfordshire Growth Board has provided unanimous support for an application to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF)The funding bid for up to £500 million was submitted by the county’s transport authority Oxfordshire County Council on Thursday 28 September. Money is sought to bring forward infrastructure investment to pump-prime three major development schemes:

Didcot Garden Town – £171m is bid for transport improvements including a Didcot Science Bridge and A4130 dual carriageway, a new river crossing at Culham and Clifton Hampden Bypass. This would support the delivery of over 22,000 homes in Didcot, Culham, Harwell and Berinsfield. Additionally up to £70m of cycle and other sustainable transport improvements are proposed for inclusion in the bid plan.

West Oxfordshire Garden Village – £135.4m is bid for further upgrades to the A40, building on existing schemes and based on the approved A40 Long Term Strategy including development of the Rapid Transit network and additional highway capacity on A40 transport corridor. This would support the delivery of over 10,000 homes in Witney & Carterton, and around Eynsham.

North of Oxford – £152m is bid for the development of Rapid Transit lines on upgraded A44 and A4260 corridors, a new Park & Ride, and strategic cycle infrastructure plus. Support is also sought for additional education requirements (as yet un-costed). This.would support the delivery of 5,570 homes in Woodstock, Begbroke/Yarnton and the Northern Gateway.

The bids submitted to the £2.3 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund are ranked as above according the Government’s scoring method, with the guidance that the strongest bid be put first.

The Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy, commissioned by the Growth Board, was used to identify infrastructure priorities that offered the prospect of a step-change in housing provision in a defined area.

The Government will consider Oxfordshire’s bids along with those from other areas and the highest ranking schemes will go through to a second stage in Spring 2018, with final funding awards announced from Summer 2018.

The HIF funding bids complement other work being conducted by the Growth Board to secure investment in transport, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure needed to support the predicted growth in population, and meet the future needs of Oxfordshire families, their children and grandchildren in terms of jobs and homes across the county to 2040 and beyond. This includes discussions with the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) over the proposed Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. It also involves linked discussions with Government - supported by both Oxford Universities - over a Housing and Growth Package for Oxfordshire to help unlock the benefits of the county’s strong and growing knowledge-intensive economy.

Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council and current Chair of the Oxfordshire Growth Board, said: “Oxfordshire’s knowledge economy is of both national and global significance and critical to the long term economic success of UK plc. We are now seeking investment support to tackle the constraints on our continued economic success from a lack of capacity on the strategic and local transport networks, lack of choice and high costs of housing, high demand for employment space and the barriers high growth businesses face in scaling up.”

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, which submitted the HIF bids, said: “We believe all three bids are robust, deliverable and have a good chance of success. The funding they seek would lead to significant improvement in infrastructure to support expected growth in jobs and much needed new housing in a planned way.”

Councillor John Cotton, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said “Significant improvement in the local roads and other transport networks are a must if we are to cope with the housing growth Oxfordshire needs. This has always been at the heart of what we believe Didcot Garden Town can achieve. The bid for nearly £250m for the town is a strong one. I am certain that it will secure the investment needed to give the local economy a boost and to improve the quality of life in our area for generations to come.”

Councillor James Mills, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Building homes is a major priority in West Oxfordshire to meet growing demand and ensure our economy is allowed to reach its full potential in future. The A40 needs to be fit for purpose to support the needs of our residents and enable development to flourish. That is why the success of this bid is so important.”

Councillor Barry Wood, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “If we are to be successful as a district we will need to attract businesses that provide jobs and homes for local people, and in order to do it is essential that firstly we invest in the infrastructure to support this growth. By improving the connectivity, roads and transport links we can effectively accommodate the planned growth for the area and the demand that this success will bring. The growth of the district incorporates more than just housing; it is the economy, employment and skills sector that will all be significantly enhanced by substantial investment in this transport corridor.”

The Oxfordshire Growth Board comprises the six councils: Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council, together with and the county’s Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

]]>press,news,headlines,Growth Board,growth,highways,transport,Didcot,Culham,Clifton Hampden,Harwell,Berinsfield,Witney,Carterton,Eynsham,Oxford,WoodstockMon, 02 Oct 2017 09:30:28 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_growth.jpg?10000New housing development prompts traffic calming changes in Eynshamhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/new-housing-development-prompts-traffic-calming-changes-in-eynsham/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/new-housing-development-prompts-traffic-calming-changes-in-eynsham/A plan has been approved to remove an existing road hump at the eastern end of Spareacre Lane in Eynsham and to construct a new road hump to the same specification approximately 15 metres to the west. The traffic calming measures in this area of Eynsham were originally constructed in 1993.

The changes now approved had been proposed by developers as part of work to create a new access for a residential development on the north side of Spareacre Lane.

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy approved the changes at a meeting on September 7.

]]>Eynsham,press,news,headlines,highways,roads and transportThu, 07 Sep 2017 10:52:47 +0100https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1660.jpg?10000Roll of Honour gives pride of place to Eynsham’s firefighting heroes since the 1930shttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/roll-of-honour-gives-pride-of-place-to-eynshams-firefighting-heroes-since-the-1930s/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/roll-of-honour-gives-pride-of-place-to-eynshams-firefighting-heroes-since-the-1930s/Every firefighter who has served at Eynsham Fire Station since 1936 has been honoured on a new Roll of Honour that has now been unveiled.Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grahame Mitchell and Ex Sub Officer Patrick Evans unveiled the board in front of more than 200 invited guests. The Roll of Honour was put together following seven months of extensive research.

The event was funded by the sale of limited edition Roll of Honour t-shirts and generous donations by the current Eynsham crew. The unveiling was followed by a pig roast and get together and £890.95 was raised for the Fire Fighters Charity with a raffle and kind donations from the guests.

The board currently lists 96 firefighters and has space for the names of future firefighters that will join the crew.

Firefighter Colin Jacob who had the initial idea of producing the board said “When we embarked on this task Stuart and I never realised the work that would be involved and the sleepless nights we would have preparing this Roll of Honour. We are incredibly proud of the work and effort that the entire Eynsham crew has put into this to make this day so special for everyone involved”.

Patrick Evans, who served from 1956 until 1988 said: “I was a great honour to be asked to take part in the unveiling”

Eynsham Fire Station and others across the county are still actively looking for on-call firefighters and would like to hear from anybody interested in such a role.

]]>Eynsham,fire and rescue,frontpage,news,headlines,pressThu, 03 Aug 2017 15:27:01 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_eynsham1936.jpg?10000Overnight repairs for the B4044 at Eynshamhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/overnight-repairs-for-the-b4044-at-eynsham/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/overnight-repairs-for-the-b4044-at-eynsham/Overnight repairs will be carried out on the B4044 in the vicinity of toll bridge, Eynsham, from 10 July.

Repairs are to be carried out on a section of carriageway that has deteriorated between Swinford Toll Bridge and Talbot Inn.

The work is being done overnight to avoid disruption for commuters and other road users and is expected to last for two or three nights depending on progress.

]]>Eynsham,transport,news,headlines,featuredFri, 07 Jul 2017 10:42:43 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_eynshamb4044.jpg?10000Vast majority of voluntary day centres set for transition funding from Septemberhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/vast-majority-of-voluntary-day-centres-set-for-transition-funding-from-september/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/vast-majority-of-voluntary-day-centres-set-for-transition-funding-from-september/Day centres across Oxfordshire are set to be benefit from more than £300,000 of transitional funding as the county looks forward to a new, sustainable model of daytime support that helps people to live independent and fulfilling lives. Earlier this year the council decided to reconfigure its own directly provided service and come up with a new system for supporting voluntary sector providers.

In total there are around 200 voluntary sector daytime support providers for older people and people with disabilities in Oxfordshire. In excess of 150 of these operate without any financial support from the county council. More than 40 currently receive funding that covers some or all of their costs.

The council wants to support as many of these services as possible to continue, but recognises this is a decision for those organisations. The vast majority have applied for transition funding from the £300,000 budget set aside by council in February. Only six have not bid for funding, two of them because they decided they are ready to continue without support from the council.

All but one were assessed by the cross-party panel as meeting the criteria to receive funding, and a final decision will be taken by the county council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Judith Heathcoat, on April 19.

The transition funding will support these voluntary sector providers from September to March, as they action their plans to become more self-sustaining. Later in 2017 they will once again be able to bid for £250,000 of transitional funding in 2018/19, as well as funding from two further grants pots – a Sustainability Fund and an Innovation Fund.

Which services are proposed for transition funding

Age UK run day centres are proposed for a combined £98,000 of funding:

Daybreak Oxford run day centres are proposed for a combined £50,000 of funding:

The Lilacs, Kidlington

The Limes, Oxford

Rosewood, Oxford

Other providers:

Berinsfield Voluntary Day Centre £10,106

Bromsgrove Day Centre, Faringdon £6,800

Carterton Day Centre £9,500

Chalgrove Day Centre £8,000

Charlbury Day Centre £3,742

Chinnor Day Centre £8,000

Cluster Care Group, Banbury £4,500

Eynsham Day Centre £2,625

Goring and District Community Centre Lunch Club £2,900

Grove Day Centre for the Elderly £7,000

Hanborough and District Day Centre £6,378

Highlands Day Centre, Chipping Norton £5,000

Hook Norton Day Centre, £2,625

The October Club, Wantage £14,000

Chinese Community Day Centre, Oxford £7978

Happy Place Day Centre, Oxford £3,300

Cornhill, Banbury £2,625

West Way Day Centre, Botley £5,466

St Mary’s Thursday Club, Bloxham £4,786

Stonesfield Lunch Club £2,906

Thame and District Day Centre £12,500

The Thursday Social Club, Watlington £2,500

Watlington and District Age Concern Drop In £1,500

Windmill Thursday Club/Deddington Day Centre £5,000

Wychwoods Day Centre £3,390

Volunteer Link Up £14,625

The services who have decided they do not need to bid to continue to operate

Bampton Bush Day Centre

Fielding Lunch Club, Sibford Gower

The services who have not made a bid

Leonard Cheshire Disability (open access self-help group)

Leonard Cheshire Disability (Tryard Disability Group)

Order of St John, Lake House, Adderbury

The Alzheimers Society, Abingdon service

Cholsey Day Centre does not quality for funding as it has reserves of £340,000.

The information provided in the application for Marston Court, provided by Order of St John Care Trust, was not sufficient to evaluate the bid. Further information has been requested.

How will the council’s own service be configured?

The county council is continuing to provide a core service for people who are eligible for social care support, which makes sure they have the care and support they need. This is planned to be a countywide service with an annual budget of £4.5m and a wide range of flexible, costed support options. The council will replace its current Health and Wellbeing Centres and Learning Disability Daytime Support services (22 building-based services) with eight new bases at the Abbey Centre, Abingdon; Redlands in Banbury; Bicester Health and Wellbeing Centre; The Meadows in Didcot; Oxford Options; High Street, Wallingford; Witney Resource Centre and the Charlton Centre in Wantage.

These bases will run from October and would be subject to ongoing review in terms of locations. People with different needs will be supported in the same buildings but there would be a range of different spaces and facilities to meet different needs and interests.

The plans include transport to and from services for everybody who is eligible for it or who chooses to purchase it.

The council-funded Dementia Support Service provides support to people with dementia and their families across Oxfordshire through Dementia Advisors. It provides face-to-face support to an average of 120 people per week. This service will continue to be funded.

The council-funded Wellbeing and Employment Service, “OxForward” provides support to people over the age of 18 with learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities. It supports 700 people each year providing opportunities such as moving in to and maintaining volunteering roles and employment. This will continue with its existing budget.

The council will continue to work with the Age UK provided Community Information Network service. The Community Information Network is working with people affected by the changes, to help manage a personalised transition from current daytime support services for those people who do not have eligible needs/ who choose not to use the new service.

In addition the council will be permanently investing £25,000 a year in training for services around dementia and autism and £100,000 a year in enabling people to make choices about the use of their personal budgets.

]]>Oxford,Henley,Burford,Kidlington,Hinton Waldrist,Faringdon,Holton,Kidlington,Berinsfield,Carterton,Chalgrove,Charlbury,Chinnor,Banbury,Eynsham,Goring,Grove,Hanborough,Chipping Norton,Hook Norton,Wantage,Botley,Bloxham,Stonesfield,Thame,Watlington,Deddington,Bampton,Sibford Gower,Adderbury,Cholsey,social and health care,adult social careTue, 11 Apr 2017 09:25:17 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_sharedlives.jpg?10000Still time to have your say on A40 improvementshttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/still-time-to-have-your-say-on-a40-improvements/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/still-time-to-have-your-say-on-a40-improvements/People have until 12 January to have their say on detailed plans for major transport improvements planned for the A40 between Eynsham and Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to build a new park and ride facility in Eynsham as well as an eastbound bus lane between Eynsham park and ride and the Duke’s Cut canal bridge near Wolvercote.

The project also includes Westbound bus priority on the approaches to Cassington traffic signals and Eynsham roundabout, junction improvements between Eynsham park and ride and the Duke’s Cut canal bridge near Wolvercote along with a two way cycle path located on the northern verge.

County Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of the county council, said: “The county council is investing in this infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to improve public transport journeys on the A40 eastbound approach to Oxford and encourage a shift from private cars to public transport.

“By making public transport a viable option for more people we will hopefully see bus use rise. And the more people we get out of cars, the better the A40 will be for everyone that uses it.”

This scheme is largely funded through the Local Growth Fund and the council has provisionally secured £35m toward the cost. Construction is currently programmed to take place from 2018-2020. It is expected that Eynsham park and ride will be subject to a planning application in 2017.

]]>Eynsham,Witney,oxford,Oxfordshire,news,press,roads and transport,roadworks,headlinesFri, 06 Jan 2017 12:06:03 +0000https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_a40graphic.jpg?10000What’s the buzz at Eynsham Library?http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/whats-the-buzz-at-eynsham-library/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/whats-the-buzz-at-eynsham-library/When was the last time you visited your local library? Perhaps you’d like to make it a regular activity but work commitments mean you just can’t get there when it's open. Well, if you’re lucky enough to live in Eynsham, you can.

That’s because an exciting ‘out-of-hours’ service being trialled at the village library means members can visit the building until 11.30pm, seven days a week, extending access to books, online services and study space.

Council staff and councillors joined local library users to see the new service in action and try out the 'self access' key pad and card-scanning technology at the entrance.

What's the verdict?

“There’s a book club in here tonight, which is a good example of the sort of thing that could be possible with the extension of opening hours”, says Mary Fletcher, a founding member of the original Friends of Eynsham Library.

Indeed there is. A group of around six local book enthusiasts are chatting eagerly away in the corner - taking advantage of this newly available community space to hold their regular evening meeting.

Mary says: “It’s open at a time when people are not working and I think that is the key thing. There are so many people who work during the day who just can’t get to the library, and with the extra hours at the weekend I think a lot of young families will bring their young children too.”

Her friend and fellow founder member of the Friends group, Jane Thompson agrees. “I think people will definitely use it more as soon as they realise it’s available to them. People want to be able to come when it’s convenient to them.”

Council Leader Ian Hudspeth tries out the new 'out-of-hours' access sytem

Trial taking off at new-look library

It’s just a few weeks since the new access system was installed both here, and at Summertown library – the other site taking part in the trial. All library members have to do is speak to a local member of staff who can provide them with a personal access code registered to their membership card. New members have also signed up specifically to take advantage of the new service.

As a further incentive to visitors at Eynsham, the library has also reopened with improved shelving, soft seating, carpeting, lighting upgrades and a new staff counter. It’s all designed to give a light and open feel to encourage greater use by the community.

“It just feels fresher and lighter now, and is very welcoming, says Mary. “Before it looked a bit like an old fire station – which, of course, is what it was. The staff are always really friendly and the new design has also enabled the library to have extra stock. I’ve seen a few new titles and authors I’d like to read already.”

Your friendly staff at Eysham Library

Coming in for the "quiet space"

Staff are monitoring visitor numbers, and there is also plenty of anecdotal evidence about patterns of use from visitors during ‘normal’ opening hours, who of course, are also now making ‘out-of-hours’ visits.

“The feeling is that people are definitely coming in for the quiet space when it’s a bit less busy, and to use the computers”, says manager Katherine Mercieca. “In some cases library members are bringing their young children with them and staying to read for half-an hour or 45 minutes, which is great.

"There’s no doubt this has the potential to make the library a real focal point for the community – a place where people can come to access council services online and take advantage of the community space, as well as borrow and return books.”

Wider plans

The system is also being trialled at Summertown Library, and if successful, will be rolled out to other libraries across the county, making them available to thousands of people who cannot currently visit during normal working hours.

It means giving Oxfordshire residents unprecedented access to library and wider council services, and cementing libraries’ position at the heart of the communities they serve. More opportunities, for instance, for groups like tonight’s book club here in Eynsham.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale is among those trying their access code at the entrance for the first time tonight. She says: “This is hugely exciting and has the potential to be a real ‘game-changer’ in terms of opening up access to local libraries and encouraging more people through the doors. It’s as easy as swiping your card at the entrance to your bank after it has closed to use the cash machines.”

“Eynsham library is very well supported at the heart of a thriving community, where we believe there is great potential for this to be a success. We’re really keen to see how people take to the idea so we can assess the scope for rolling it out more widely across the county. That’s ultimately what we would like to do.”

]]>press,news,culture,libraries,Eynsham,leisure and culture,open access,libraryFri, 02 Dec 2016 16:22:54 +0000https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_eynshamlibraryopenaccess.jpg?10000A40 plans up for consultationhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/a40-plans-up-for-consultation/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/a40-plans-up-for-consultation/People will have a chance to have their say on detailed plans for major transport improvements planned for the A40 between Witney and Oxford in the coming weeks.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to build a new park and ride facility in Eynsham as well as an eastbound bus lane between Eynsham park and ride and the Duke’s Cut canal bridge near Wolvercote.

The project also includes Westbound bus priority on the approaches to Cassington traffic signals and Eynsham roundabout, junction improvements between Eynsham park and ride and the Duke’s Cut canal bridge near Wolvercote along with a two way cycle path located on the northern verge .

Public exhibitions

Three public exhibitions are planned as part of a public consultation exercise which will run from 1 December 2016 until 12 January 2017.

Investing in improvements

County Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of the county council, said: “The county council is investing in this infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to improve public transport journeys on the A40 eastbound approach to Oxford and encourage a shift from private cars to public transport.

“By making public transport a viable option for more people we will hopefully see bus use rise. And the more people we get out of cars, the better the A40 will be for everyone that uses it.

“We had a great turn out the last time we held exhibitions about the A40 and I would urge anyone with an interest in the road to come along to one of the sessions to get an update and ask any questions that they have.”

This scheme is largely funded through the Local Growth Fund and the council has provisionally secured £35m toward the cost. Construction is currently programmed to take place from 2018-2020. It is expected that Eynsham park and ride will be subject to a planning application in 2017.

How to have your say

The feasibility design and plans for the Eynsham Park and Ride and A40 Bus Lane scheme will be on display at a series of exhibitions. The dates are:

Date

Time

Venue

Tuesday 6th December

11am – 3pm

Cassington Village Hall

The Green, Cassington, OX29 4AX

Saturday 10th December

12pm - 4pm

Witney Methodist Church

40 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HG

Thursday 15th December

12.30pm - 7pm

Change of venue

St Leonard’s Church Hall, Eynsham

Thames Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HF

Anyone unable to attend the consultation exhibitions can view the plans and have their say online by visiting our webpages and filling out the online questionnaire. This will be available online between the 1 December and the 12 January.www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/A40EynshamParkandRide

]]>news,roads,council,headlines,a40,Park and ride,Eynsham,Witney,Cassington,Public Transport,Buses,Bus lanes,Better transportWed, 30 Nov 2016 13:57:50 +0000https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1660/500_prplans.jpg?10000Council trials ‘out-of-hours’ library at Eynshamhttp://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council-trials-out-of-hours-library-at-eynsham/
http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council-trials-out-of-hours-library-at-eynsham/Lucky enough to live in Eynsham? You can now use your library whenever you likeCouncil trials ‘out-of-hours’ library at Eynsham

Eynsham residents can now visit their local library outside normal opening hours using an exciting new system being trialled by Oxfordshire County Council.

The self-service scheme gives members access to the building late into the evening and at weekends, extending access to books, online services and study space.

Library members should speak to local staff to register to use the access system

If successful the scheme will be rolled out to other libraries across the county, making them available to thousands of people who cannot currently visit during normal working hours.

It means giving Oxfordshire residents unprecedented access to library and wider council services, and cementing libraries’ position as important focal points at the heart of the communities they serve. The system ‘went live’ at Summertown in late September.

Huge potential

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is hugely exciting and has the potential to be a real ‘game-changer’ in terms of opening up access to local libraries and encouraging more people through the doors.

“It’s a little bit like swiping your card at the entrance to your bank after it has closed to use the cash machines.

“We’re really keen to see how people take to the idea at these two libraries so we can assess the scope for rolling it out more widely across the county. That’s ultimately what we would like to do, and we know other councils are looking at introducing similar schemes elsewhere.

She added: “It will be a case of seeing how things go and looking at what we can do to improve the service as we go. Both Eynsham and Summertown libraries are very well supported at the heart of thriving communities, where we believe there is great potential for this to be a success.”

Refurbishments at Eynsham

In addition to the newly installed keypad entry system. Eynsham library is reopening with a new-look interior, with refurbishments including: improved shelving throughout, soft seating, carpeting, lighting upgrades and staff counter, all designed to provide a light and open feel to encourage greater use of the library by the community.

A special commemorative baton has been carried by 16 people in a relay covering over 200 miles from source to sea over the last 16 days.

The Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Ian Hudspeth brought the baton back to Steve Good, Chairman of The Thames Path National Trail Partnership, at the end of the 20th anniversary baton relay source to sea.

The baton was returned to Eynsham Lock where Oxfordshire County Council host the trail team.

Hundreds of people took part in the walking, some booking on just for one day others coming in groups representing The Ramblers, the River Thames Society and our very own Thames Path National Trail Volunteers.